Sony has been making superior studio microphones since the release of the C-37A tube mic in 1958. This was followed in 1970 by the C-38B, a FET condenser mic aimed at broadcasters who needed the advantages of solid-state circuitry. Not until 1992 were more studio mic designs released, the C-800G and C-800 tube mics. Extremely popular among singers like Mariah Carey for their ability to capture hi-definition and breathy vocals, at $16,999 this ultra-high-end mic is simply out of reach for many professionals. Seeing an opening for a solid-state mic at an accessible price, the Sony C-100 was released in 2018.
The Sony C-100 features a unique dual-capsule design in a vertical array that boasts a massive 20 Hz to 50 kHz frequency response. By comparison most famous condenser mics do not pickup much past 20kHz. This extraordinary frequency response enables extreme detail for high resolution sampling rates. The C-100 has been called a “sound designers” dream for sound designers wanting to retain detail when recording HD and pitching sounds down.
At the bottom of the array is a large 25mm diaphragm for main pickup, 20Hz–25kHz. Above it is a smaller 17mm back-electret condenser diaphragm for ultra-high-frequency 25kHz–50kHz capture. The 25mm capsule handles the main audio, supporting cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns. The 17mm secondary diaphragm uses a film-based back-electret design, similar to ribbon mic technology, and is optimized for frequencies from 25kHz up to 50kHz. The secondary capsule is sonically sensitive only to its front side, so the ultra-high frequency capture can be realized only in cardioid mode. Transient response is very fast, and the C-100 captures a very high level of nuance.
MC had the opportunity to use the C-100 in a variety of recording sessions alongside well-known high-end German and Austrian microphones. As you might expect in a more modern design the C-100 excelled in self-noise. And like its big brother C-800G, it had a hotter signal output that any of the other microphones in the session. In one of the recording sessions, MC recorded violinist Scarlet Rivera (from Bob Dylan’s band) with the C-100 and a very high-quality famous mic side by side mounted overhead on a T-bar. The C-100 had a more forward and fuller sound, making the violin sound like a larger instrument. The C-100 is suitable for diverse applications, including vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and as drum overheads. It features a -10dB pad to handle loud sound sources (up to 132 dB SPL) and a 70Hz low-cut filter to manage proximity effect. The C-100 features a two-part metallic body designed to reduce unwanted noise, like the flagship C-800G. The C-100 has a signal to noise ratio exceeding 70dB in all modes and a dynamic range exceeding 113 dB depending on the polar pattern. Maximum sound pressure levels can reach above 132 dB SPL depending on configuration, allowing the microphone to handle louder sources without distortion.
The C-100 comes with its own unique proprietary mic clip and a hard-shell Pelican style case. Requires +48v Phantom Power. $1,499.99
